The Houston Astros aim to strengthen their batting lineup as they pursue another World Series championship. Targeting Taylor Ward, the Los Angeles Angels’ left fielder, the Astros look to add power to their offense ahead of the approaching trade deadline.
Houston’s Lineup Needs a Boost Amid Injuries and Inconsistent Depth
The Astros have been a dominant force in Major League Baseball, regularly topping the American League West standings. Despite this success, questions persist about the lower half of their batting order, which currently lacks the feared power of previous championship teams. Players such as Taylor Trammell, Zack Short, and Cooper Hummel have yet to consistently challenge opposing pitchers, while the team awaits the return of key figures Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña. This absence of an impactful bat has prompted Houston to consider roster reinforcements.
Trade Deadline Looms as Houston Weighs Adding a Strong Outfield Presence
With the July 31 trade deadline nearly here, the Astros are at a pivotal moment in their season. Adding a powerful outfielder could solidify their status as favorites in the American League. Analyst Mike Axisa from CBS Sports highlights Taylor Ward as an ideal candidate due to his impressive 23 home runs this year. Although rookie Cam Smith is adjusting to right field and Jake Meyers had a breakout center field season before a recent calf injury, left field remains a challenge for Houston’s defense and offense.
Ward, with his Crawford Boxes-friendly pull righty power, would lengthen the lineup nicely,
said Axisa, underscoring Ward’s potential to enhance the Astros’ scoring capabilities significantly.
Potential Obstacles and Opportunities in Acquiring Taylor Ward
The prospect of trading for Ward within the division raises some questions, given the Los Angeles Angels are also fighting for the third wild-card spot. Nevertheless, Axisa suggests that such a trade, while initially unlikely, remains possible. At 31 years old and under contract through 2026, Ward offers more than a short-term solution. His .305 on-base percentage, though modest, has shown improvement, and his power hitting fits well with Houston’s righty-friendly home park, Daikin Park.
Why Adding Ward Could Be Crucial to Houston’s October Ambitions
The Astros appear close to securing a key asset in Taylor Ward as they build toward a World Series push. Historically, the cost of acquiring players like Ward has often been manageable, making this an attractive proposition for Houston. The addition of Ward may provide the missing offensive spark necessary to keep the Astros competitive in October, ensuring their lineup can challenge the best pitching staffs in high-stakes games. As the trade deadline draws near, all eyes in Houston will focus on potential moves that boost their roster and championship prospects.